Dogs in urban environments often lack adequate opportunity for off-leash exercise and social interaction, contributing to obesity, behavioral problems, and chronic stress in millions of companion animals.
Urban living presents structural barriers to meeting dogs fundamental activity and social needs. Dogs confined to apartments with only brief on-leash walks experience chronic understimulation relative to their evolved behavioral repertoire. This matters for welfare: understimulated dogs show higher rates of anxiety, destructive behavior, and stress-related health conditions. Equitable access to off-leash space, investment in dog parks in underserved neighborhoods, and employer policies supporting midday pet care represent systemic approaches to this welfare challenge.